Portland, Maine

Nestled on a peninsula that juts out into Casco Bay, Portland, Maine, mixes the natural beauty of the outdoors with a vibrant and kicking cultural scene. The temperatures are what you’d expect — cold in the winter, but near perfect come spring and summer, when the cool ocean breeze complements the 70 to 80 degree temperatures. Year-round, there is so much to take advantage of in Maine’s biggest city. Known for lobsters and lighthouses, Portland and the surrounding area is a hotbed of locavore dining, exquisitely repurposed buildings, a hopping live music scene and unique shopping. Outdoorsy types will enjoy the craggy coast, which offers picturesque hiking and biking. Those who prefer to take in the New England scenery while sitting can take picturesque ferry rides to islands that surround Portland.